Military personnel deployed in London as Sadiq Khan vows city ‘will never be cowed by terrorism’

Members of the armed forces will be visible on the capital’s streets from today following the decision by national security services to raise the national terror threat level to “critical” in the wake of the attack on Manchester Arena that has so far left 22 people dead.

In a statement issued late last night, London Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed that “military personnel” will been seen supporting the Metropolitan Police Service and helping to “guard key sites” in the city.

Prime Minister Theresa May said yesterday that police had requested assistance from the military to enable more armed officers to be available for patrolling “key locations”, but did not specify where they would be deployed.

Khan said: “I want to reassure all Londoners and visitors that we are doing everything possible to protect our city. As your mayor, I am in constant contact with the Metropolitan Police and we are liaising closely with the Government and security services.”

There will be additional police officers on the streets too, including additional armed officers. Khan urged all Londoners and visitors to “remain calm and vigilant” and report anything suspicious to police. “Those who seek to harm and divide us through barbaric acts of terrorism will never succeed,” he said. “We will never be cowed by terrorism.”

Previously, Met commissioner Cressida Dick had said: “Terrorists seek to spread fear and undermine our way of life. We must work together to stop that happening.”

On London is run by Dave Hill, formerly the Guardian's award-winning London commentator, and written by him and an array of fellow Londoncentrics. It aims to improve the quality of coverage of London politics, development and culture.